The Badge Archive

Games – Boundary Scenario

Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Uniquely Us badge requirements.

Info Needed: Scouts explore how to speak kindly about their bodies. Scouts play a sorting and movement game to explore body boundaries in everyday situations. They practice identifying what crosses a boundary and how to respectfully respond or get help.

Items Needed:

  • “Boundary Scenario” cards (printed or written on slips of paper)
  • Two labeled areas in the room: “Crosses a Boundary” and “Respects a Boundary”
  • (Optional) Tape or floor markers to define movement zones

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20–30 minutes):

  1. Set Up Sorting Zones (5–7 minutes)
    • Label two areas of the room: one for “Crosses a Boundary” and one for “Respects a Boundary.”
    • Scouts stand in a neutral zone to start.
    • Explain that they’ll hear or read a situation and decide where it belongs.
  2. Play the Sorting Game (10–15 minutes)
    • One at a time, read or hand out a “Boundary Scenario” to a scout.
    • They decide if it crosses a boundary or respects one, then walk to the matching zone.
    • (Optional) Ask scouts to briefly explain their choice.
    • Mix in helpful and respectful examples so the game isn’t all negative.
      • Example: “A friend asks before giving you a high five” → Respects a Boundary
      • Example: “Someone grabs your backpack without asking” → Crosses a Boundary
  3. Reflect and Reinforce (5–8 minutes)
    • Talk about what scouts noticed or learned during the sorting.
    • Remind them that boundaries are personal and respecting others’ comfort is part of being kind.
    • (Optional) Scouts share one example that felt especially important or familiar.

Sample Boundary Scenarios

Here’s a balanced list of body boundary scenarios to help scouts recognize when personal boundaries are being respected or crossed.

Respects a Boundary

  • A friend asks before hugging you.
  • Someone moves aside to give you space in line.
  • A teacher checks in before helping you with a physical task.
  • A sibling knocks before entering your room.
  • A peer asks if it’s okay to touch your hair.
  • A classmate says “Nice job!” and keeps their hands to themselves.
  • A friend notices you look uncomfortable and stops roughhousing.
  • Someone asks politely before borrowing something you’re wearing.
  • You say you’re tired and a friend offers to help instead.
  • Someone says “That’s your choice” when you don’t want to join an activity.

Crosses a Boundary

  • A classmate tickles you after you’ve asked them to stop.
  • Someone grabs your backpack without permission.
  • A peer hugs you even after you say “no thank you.”
  • A sibling bursts into your room without knocking.
  • A friend touches your face and says “Your cheeks are funny.”
  • Someone pushes you in line and tells you to hurry.
  • A student tells you your body looks weird when you’re moving.
  • You’re told to do something physical that feels unsafe for you.
  • A peer touches your hair without asking.
  • Someone keeps stepping too close even when you move away.
Tia Kennard